Panthers rookies helped get them here; now comes their biggest test yet

The Carolina Panthers hold Rookie Mini Camp on Friday, May. 9, 2025 in Charlotte, NC.

CHARLOTTE — Luke Kuechly's rookie year with the Panthers, he was named the Associated Press defensive rookie of the year, he set a franchise record with 205 tackles, was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team, and was voted No. 79 on the NFL Top 100 by his fellow league players, all in his rookie season.

The next year should have almost felt easy, and Kuechly played like it did, finishing the year as the AP defensive player of the year. Then Carolina went to the playoffs, something they hadn't done the previous season, and the seven-time All-Pro (in his first year being named to the team) realized there was still a lot about this game he had to learn.

"You hear all the stuff about, 'Hey, the playoffs are a different beast' and stuff, and you're like, 'Oh yeah, I get it,'" Kuechly reminisced this week with former Panthers teammate, Jonathan Stewart.

"But you don't get it," Kuechly finished.

"Everything speeds up," responded Stewart. "Everything, like the holes are open," he paused, and Kuechly, ever the linebacker, jumped on the opening with, "then they're closed."

"And then they're closed," echoed Stewart. "Like an elevator door, like right now."

Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez

It can be a sobering lesson for someone in their first playoff game. Even with ample experience in high-stakes games at the college level, even if playing and succeeding a lot as a rookie, there is no lesson quite like strapping up for an NFL playoff game for the first time.

"And that's one thing that I learned, like from that game, I'd better figure out how to adjust myself to the speed faster," continued Kuechly, referring to the divisional loss to the San Francisco 49ers after the 2013 season. "Because it took me too long to get comfortable."

That's why Panthers head coach Dave Canales and crew have been more than willing to put their rookies in uncomfortable positions this season, knowing it would be worth it now.

"Every mistake that a rookie makes for you early on is an investment in your future," Canales remarked this week. "It's an opportunity to learn and to grow, and it does pay dividends."

The Carolina Panthers face the New England Patriots on Sunday, Sep. 28, 2025 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. (Photo by Alex Herko//Carolina Panthers)

Those growing pains could experience their biggest stress yet today, as this rookie class suits up for their first playoff game. But, to Canales' point, it will create calluses that become armor.

"As much as I try to preach, we try to preach to our group, every game is a championship moment, every game is a championship opportunity, here it is right in front of us now," preached Canales. "We're in the playoffs and to try to make sure that our focus doesn't waver or shift…It's about the basics. Football this time of year is about tackling. It's about blocking, and it's about being really efficient.

"And with each round, the pass rushers get better and better. Here come the Rams with a fantastic front five, the way they get after it, the way they play, you know, these are the types of teams that are in the playoffs. And so matching that energy, making sure we're at our best has to be the focus."

There is a point to be made that plenty of guys on this roster will be playing in their first playoff game, not just rookies; that there are players around the league as well who have been on rosters for years and haven't experienced a playoff matchup.

"I mean, there's a lot of dudes I've talked to that've been in the league or who have never made the playoffs seven years, five years in the league, never been there," pointed out rookie safety Lathan Ransom. "So for me to have an opportunity to go there my first year, I'm super excited and just want to make the most of it."

Andrew Stein/Carolina Panthers

But there are two truths coexisting here.

One, these rookies don't know what they don't know. They need this playoff experience to lay a foundation for the future, yes. But they also only know a world where this is the norm, allowing them to play with a freedom not always afforded to those whose anticipation has been building for years.

"It's my first year, so I don't know what it's like to miss the playoffs," noted Tetairoa McMillan this week. "So I'm just grateful for every opportunity, man. We get to play another game and a chance at playing another game after that. So, just blessed."

The chance to experience this so early in their career can fuel a team more than anything else. Those who have been to the top before, like linebacker Christian Rozeboom, know it firsthand.

"For a lot of the young guys and especially the rookies who do it their first year, take in and remember what it feels like and do everything you can to stay and to get back every single year."

The Carolina Panthers face the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025 in Charlotte, NC at Bank of America Stadium.

The second truth? One of the major reasons the Panthers are even in this position in the first place is this rookie class, from the eight draft picks to a handful of undrafted free agents.

"This young group of rookies has been really professional in how they've worked and battled through things," bragged Canales. "Battled through bumps and bruises and also just battled through the emotional mental toll that an NFL season can take on you."

Added Nic Scourton, "I want to attest to the individuals, man, guys coming in here, knowing what they got to get done, knowing what's at hand, and knowing the situation that we're in. And I mean, you see it, a result of guys working hard and also the guys upstairs drafting us for a reason and putting us in these positions."

From top to bottom, every guy has contributed.

As a class, the Panthers have the third-most games played by rookies in the league this year, and they rank in the top five in receptions and receiving yards, explosive plays, quarterback pressures, and sacks. So it's not just one player, though it starts at the top.

First-round receiver Tetairoa McMillan leads all rookies in receptions (70), yards (1,014), touchdowns (seven), and first downs (55) and is the favorite to win offensive rookie of the year. He's also been consistently named in postseason rankings as the best rookie overall in the entire 2025 class. McMillan won the Panthers' games down the stretch with big catches, dynamic performances, and clutch touchdowns.

"Obviously, it's a blessing, but I'm just glad, out of all things, that we were able to make the playoffs, we got a chance at doing something great in Charlotte that hasn't been done in a long time," said McMillan in response to the outside praise. "So I feel like that holds a higher power than me being the leading favorite for the Offensive Rookie of the Year."

Second round [pass-rusher Scourton is proving himself to be a force on the edge, and is tied for the team lead (along with Derrick Brown) with 5.0 sacks. He also has a pass defensed and forced a fumble on Sam Darnold in Week 14. He stepped into a starter role after Patrick Jones II was lost for the season.

Third-round pass-rusher Princely Umanmielen registered the first sack of the season for the Panthers, back in Week 2 against Kyler Murray. He has 1.5 sacks this season, plus two tackles-for-loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

"Anytime one of the guys in my rookie class makes a play, I definitely get turned up," said Umanmielen, turning attention to his teammates. "Especially, you know, Jimmy Horn Jr. on the offense, I feel like every time he touches the ball, it's a first down."

Fourth-round running back Trevor Etienne has become the Panthers' primary special teams returner for both punt and kickoff, and has broken longer and longer runs in the second half of the season.

The Carolina Panthers face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025 at Bank of American Stadium in Charlotte, NC.

Fourth-round safety Ransom registered a crucial sack against Matthew Stafford in the Week 13 win, adding to a stat sheet that includes 51 tackles, two tackles for loss, and two passes defensed, plus a forced fumble that sealed the shoutout win in Week 3, and—perhaps most importantly—an interception on Baker Mayfield in Week 16 for a walk-off NFC South win.

"Every time I see another rookie out there make the play, it gets me super excited," said Ransom. "The dudes I came in with, the dudes that we wanted to come in and make an immediate impact in any way we can, whether it's special teams, defense, or offense, every time they do get a chance to make the plays, I'm super excited and can't wait to go make more plays."

Fifth-round defensive lineman Cam Jackson was called upon towards the end of the season and has answered the bell with nine tackles and a field-goal block.

The Carolina Panthers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL

Fifth-round tight end Mitchell Evans has become a clutch option for Bryce Young, pulling in 19 receptions for 171 yards, two touchdowns, and nine first downs. His second touchdown was the game-winner with less than two-minutes left in Week 5, kick-starting a three-game win streak. He's also allowed the Panthers to run the ball more, thanks to what he gives them as a blocker.

Sixth-round receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. always had speed, but had to adjust to the NFL game. Once he did, the Panthers started to unlock a weapon that can change what they do behind the line of scrimmage. He only has 19 touches, but has a 37 percent first-down rate on those touches, including a key fourth-down conversion in the win against Miami.

Undrafted free agent corner Corey Thornton became a diamond in the rough for this team, emerging in training camp as a viable backup to Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. He became just that, backing up Horn when he was injured, as well as lining up as a slot corner at times. Before Thornton himself suffered a season-ending injury, he had three passes defensed and a forced fumble.

The Carolina Panthers face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

UDFA linebacker Bam Martin-Scott stepped in when injuries hit the linebacker corps, picking up 21 tackles, including one for loss. He's particularly been effective on special teams, where he's become an enforcer and forced a fumble.

Finally, UDFA kicker Ryan Fitzgerald has, presumably, given the Panthers their kicker for the future. He's gone 24-of-29 on field goals, with two of 50-plus. The unflappable rookie has four game-winning field goals. He also allowed the Panthers to take advantage of the new kickoff rule with his "dirty kicks," which in turn allowed Carolina to hold opponents to the lowest average return yardage in the NFL.

"As far as I know, it's not very normal for this many rookies to be making an impact on the team and having us playing and stuff," pointed out Umanmielen. "I look around the league, I've got a lot of friends around the league, a lot of rookies that I was with in the Senior Bowl and the combine, and seeing some classes, they don't have a lot of rookies out there playing as much as we do.

"So it's just been amazing seeing that we all came in together as a group, not knowing what we were getting into, and just being able to contribute to our team, making it to the playoffs.

"So, you know, we contributed to the success."

Name (Draft status)	Games Played	Games Started	Off. or Def. Snap %	ST Snap %
Tetairoa McMillan (Rd. 1, No. 8)	17	17	87%	-
Nic Scourton (Rd. 2, No. 19)	17	8	68%	15%
Princely Umanmielen (Rd. 3, No. 13)	17	-	22%	23%
Trevor Etienne (Rd. 4, 12)	17	-	6%	34%
Lathan Ransom (Rd. 4, No. 20)	16	6	34%	45%
Cam Jackson (Rd. 5, No. 2)	9	-	16%	14%
Mitchell Evans (Rd. 5, No. 27)	17	10	37%	24%
Jimmy Horn Jr. (Rd. 6, No. 32)	13	-	19%	2%
Corey Thornton (UDFA)	12	-	17%	29%
Bam Martin-Scott (UDFA)	17	-	5%	67%
Ryan Fitzgerald (UDFA)	17	17	-	100% of KO/FG/PAT

Can those contributions show up again today in the biggest game the Panthers have hosted in 10 years? Everything that has happened so far this season would say yes.

"(Dan Morgan) and I, just constant conversations about how can we get, how can we get these guys involved because they're going to have to help us at some point," said Canales. "And that's been true for all of them. They've all had to step up and help us."

Lester Barnes/Carolina Panthers

And now comes their biggest test yet, a playoff game against the Super Bowl favorites, a matchup that will test their mettle, accelerate their learning, and provide the most significant building block yet for the future.

"I'm fired up, I'm excited," bounced Scourton. "I'm just keyed in, I'm just trying to soak in the experience and take it in as, I mean, what it is: just a great opportunity we got ahead of us."

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Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith, left, scores on a 68-yard reception after leaving St. Louis Rams' Tye Hill, right, on the turf in the third quarter of their NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, in St. Louis. The Panthers beat the Rams, 27-13.(AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

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Members of the St. Louis Rams' Brian Young (66) and Travis Fisher (22) and Carolina Panthers' Muhsin Muhammad (87), Ricky Proehl (center) and Steve Smith (89) dive for the loose football during a fumble following a shuttle-pass during the first half of their NFC playoff game in St. Louis, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004. The loose ball was recovered by Muhammad for a touchdown. The play was reviewed by the officials and the loose ball and recovery by the Panthers was ruled a touchdown. (AP Photo/James A. Finley)

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Carolina Panthers running back Anthony Johnson (23) is seen in action during an NFL game against the St. Louis Rams Oct. 13, 1996, in Charlotte, N.C. (Allen Kee via AP)

Allen Kee

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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith looks skyward after catching the winning touchdown pass on the first play of the second overtime period against the St Louis Rams in and NFC playoff game in St. Louis Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004. The Panthers beat the Rams, 29-23. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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Carolina Panthers running back Anthony Johnson (23) is seen in action during an NFL game against the St. Louis Rams Oct. 13, 1996, in Charlotte, N.C. (Allen Kee via AP)

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Carolina Panthers running back Anthony Johnson (23) is seen in action during an NFL game against the St. Louis Rams Oct. 13, 1996, in Charlotte, N.C. (Allen Kee via AP)

Allen Kee

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Carolina Panthers' Mike Tolbert (35) tries to dive over the goal line for a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

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St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner (13) is sacked by the Carolina Panthers defense during a November 5, 2000 game in the TWA Dome in St. Louis. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) celebrates a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013. The Panthers won 30-15. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Umpire Paul King, center, tries to separate Carolina Panthers' Jordan Gross, left, and St. Louis Rams' Robert Quinn, right, in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner (13) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers Dec. 3, 2000, in Charlotte. (Allen Kee via AP)

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Carolina Panthers' Mike Mitchell (21) sacks St. Louis Rams' Kellen Clemens (10) for a loss during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013. The Panthers won 30-15. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) runs the ball as St. Louis Rams strong safety Darian Stewart (20) attempts to tackle during an NFL football game in Charlotte, NC Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

MIKE MCCARN

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Carolina Panthers' Star Lotulelei (98) prepares to tackle St. Louis Rams' Zac Stacy (30) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013. The Panthers won 30-15. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

Bob Leverone

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Carolina Panthers' Captain Munnerlyn (41) celebrates his interception return for a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' Mario Addison chases down St. Louis Rams' Tavon Austin (11) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013. The Panthers won 30-15. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) scrambles to get away from St. Louis Rams outside linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) during an NFL football game in Charlotte, NC, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

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St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner (13) gets set to throw a pass during an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers Dec. 3, 2000, in Charlotte N.C. (Allen Kee via AP)

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St. Louis Rams quarterback Tony Banks (12) gets set to throw a pass during an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers Oct.13, 1996, in Charlotte, N.C. (Allen Kee via AP)

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Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams is pulled down for a 1-yard loss by St. Louis Rams' Adam Carriker during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, in St. Louis. The Panthers won the game, 27-13. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme calls out at the line during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, in St. Louis. The Panthers won the game, 27-13. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams, left, looks for a hole during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, in St. Louis. The Panthers won the game, 27-13. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger (10) passes as Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Kris Jenkins defends during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, in St. Louis. The Panthers won the game, 27-13. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Drew Carter (18) catches a 9-yard pass for a touchdown as St. Louis Rams' Lenny Walls defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, in St. Louis. The Panthers won the game, 27-13. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Jeff Roberson

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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) eludes St. Louis Rams Chris Draft, right, during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, in St. Louis. The Panthers won the game, 27-13. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

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St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) looks for a hole during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, in St. Louis. The Panthers won the game, 27-13. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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Carolina Panthers' Drew Carter celebrates his first quarter touchdown against the St. Louis Rams in their NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

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Carolina Panthers running back DeShaun Foster (26) is brought down by the St. Louis Rams' Pisa Tinoisamoa (50) and Ron Bartell (24) after running up the middle for a 15-yard gain during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, in St. Louis. The Panthers won, the game, 27-13. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Jeff Roberson

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Carolina Panthers' Jake Delhomme (17) prepares to throw a pass during the Panthers 15-0 win over the St. Louis Rams in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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St. Louis Rams' Stephen Davis (48) is brought down by Carolina Panthers' Chris Gamble (20) during the Panthers' 15-0 win in an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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FILE Carolina Panthers' Keyshawn Johnson (19) breaks a tackle by St. Louis Rams' Fakhir Brown (34) during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., in this Nov. 19, 2006 file photo. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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St. Louis Rams' Marc Bulger (10) is sacked by Carolina Panthers' Damione Lewis (92) and Kindal Moorehead during the Panthers' 15-0 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006. The Panthers held the Rams to 111 yards, had a team record-tying seven sacks and St. Louis was blanked for the first time since 1998. The win moved the Panthers into a first-place tie in the NFC South. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) runs to recover a fumble by St. Louis Rams' Torry Holt (81) in the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 15-0 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

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Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) catches a touchdown pass as St. Louis Rams' Oshiomogho Atogwe (21) defends during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)

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Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) runs past St. Louis Rams' Corey Chavous (25) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) runs past St. Louis Rams' Victor Adeyanju (94) during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' Keyshawn Johnson (19) knocks the helmet off St. Louis Rams' Tye Hill (26) during the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 15-0 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006. Johnson was called for a face mask penalty on the play.(AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

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Carolina Panthers' Nick Goings (37) runs past St. Louis Rams' Typka jackson (97) during the second quarter of the Panthers' 20-7 win in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2004. Goings, Carolina's sixth-string running back when the season started, ran for 108 yards and one touchdown.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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The crowd engulfs Carolina Panthers receiver Mushin Muhammad (87) after his touchdown in the first quarter of the Panthers' 20-7 win over the St. Louis Rams in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Dec. 12, 2004. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)

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Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox greets wide receiver Steve Smith (89) during an NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the St. Louis Rams. The Panthers defeated the Rams 29-23 in overtime on January 10, 2004 in St. Louis, Missouri. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)

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Carolina Panthers' Mushin Muhammad (87) runs in for a 14-yard touchdown as St. Louis Rams' Travis Fisher (22) falls during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Dec. 12, 2004. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers quarterback Steve Beuerlein sets up to pass during the second quarter against the St. Louis Rams, Sunday, Nov. 22, 1998, at the TWA Dome in St. Louis. Beuerlein was 21 for 26 for 211 yards and two touchdowns in Carolina's 24-20 win. Covering is Rams' Roman Phifer (58). (AP Photo/Leon Algee)

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St. Louis Rams quarterback Chris Chandler (12) is sacked by Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers (90) during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Dec. 12, 2004. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) throws a pass on the run during an NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the St. Louis Rams. The Panthers defeated the Rams 29-23 in overtime on January 10, 2004 in St. Louis, Missouri. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)

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Carolina Panthers' Nick Goings (37) dives over St. Louis Rams' Adam Archuleta (31) for a one-yard touchdown during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Dec. 12, 2004. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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FOR USE AS DESIRED WITH 2004 SUPER BOWL STORIES Carolina Panthers defensive end Michael Rucker, left, rushes against the blocking of St. Louis Rams' Orlando Pace during the NFC divisional playoff game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004, in St. Louis.The New England Patriots take on the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004 in Houston. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith heads to the end zone to score the game-winning touchdown in double overtime against the St. Louis Rams during the NFC divisional playoff game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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Carolina Panthers running back Nick Goings (37) heads upfield during an NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the St. Louis Rams. The Panthers defeated the Rams 29-23 in overtime on January 10, 2004 in St. Louis, Missouri. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)

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FOR USE AS DESIRED WITH 2004 SUPER BOWL STORIES Carolina Panthers defensive ends Julius Peppers, left, and Micheal Rucker watch a field goal attempt during the first overtime period against the St. Louis Rams in the NFC divisional playoff game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004, in St. Louis. The New England Patriots take on the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004 in Houston. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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FOR USE AS DESIRED WITH 2004 SUPER BOWL STORIES Carolina Panthers running back Stephen Davis carries the ball against the St. Louis Rams during the NFC divisional playoff game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004, in St. Louis. The New England Patriots take on the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004 in Houston. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme looks over the play on his wrist during the NFC divisional playoff game against the St. Louis Rams Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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Carolina Panthers wide receiver wide receiver Steve Smith (89) catches a pass during an NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the St. Louis Rams. The Panthers defeated the Rams 29-23 in overtime on January 10, 2004 in St. Louis, Missouri. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)

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Carolina Panthers wide receiver wide receiver Steve Smith (89) watches from the sideline during an NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the St. Louis Rams. The Panthers defeated the Rams 29-23 in overtime on January 10, 2004 in St. Louis, Missouri. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)

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Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith runs away from St. Louis Rams Tommy Polley (52) and Adam Archuletta (31) to score the winning touchdown in the second overtime period of the NFC playoff game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004 in St. Louis. Carolina won 29-23 in double overtime. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

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Carolina Panthers' Jimmy Hitchcock (37) runs an interception back for a touchdown past the Panthers' sideline in the third quarter of the Panthers' 16-3 win over the St. Louis Rams at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Dec. 3, 2000. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)

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